The company that hired Goodrich Corp. to convert Boeing 757s into freighters has won a contract to overhaul two more.
Precision Conversions LLC has signed a deal with aircraft lessor International Lease Finance Corp. to convert two 757-200s for Shanghai Airlines.
The work will begin at Goodrich’s Everett Aviation Technical Services unit in August, according to Beaverton, Ore.-based Precision Conversions. The terms were not disclosed.
Shanghai Airlines now uses the 757s to carry passengers. The conversion will "provide Shanghai Airlines with opportunities to expand our cargo operations, which we think have good potential for future growth," Zhou Chi, the airline’s chairman, said in a statement issued Thursday.
The deal could lead to further business for Precision Conversions with International Lease Finance, which is one of the world’s largest jet leasing companies. International Lease Finance "has confidence in the capability of the 757-200 in an all-cargo mode, and our plans are to convert three to four aircraft per year in the future," said Steve Udvar-Hazy, the leasing company’s chairman and chief executive.
The deal gives Precision Conversions six firm orders for 757 conversions. Work on the first two planes is under way at Goodrich’s Everett plant.
The major structural work is mostly completed, work is under way on internal systems, and the project is "definitely turning the corner" toward getting Federal Aviation Administration certification, said Brian McCarthy, vice president of marketing and sales for Precision Conversions.
About 50 people are working on the planes for Goodrich, a company spokeswoman said.
Reporter Bryan Corliss: 425-339-3454 or corliss@heraldnet.com.
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